The Latest Briefs for RV Parks & Campgrounds

The National Park Service announced Wednesday (March 27) the selection ofDelaware North Companies Parks & Resorts as the new concessioner operating overnight accommodations, food and beverage, retail, and other services at Kings Canyon National Park in California.

The company currently holds a concession contract to operate lodging, food and beverage, and retail operations in neighboring Sequoia National Park.

“We congratulate DNC Parks & Resorts at Kings Canyon Inc. on their selection, and we look forward to partnering with them to provide memorable visitor experiences in Kings Canyon National Park, in addition to those provided by DNC at Sequoia National Park,” said Superintendent Karen Taylor-Goodrich. “Concessioners fill a vital role in helping the National Park Service carry out its mission by operating publicly owned facilities and offering high-quality commercial visitor services.”

The new 10-year contract at Kings Canyon National Park will take effect on Nov. 1, 2013. Until then, Kings Canyon Park Services will continue to operate lodging, food and beverage and retail services in the park.

“We’re proud of our outstanding partnership with the National Park Service and are honored to bring our operations to the iconic Kings Canyon National Park,” said Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts. “Millions of guests visit Kings Canyon to marvel at the unparalleled rivers, glacier-cut valleys and waterfalls. Delaware North is ready to enhance that experience by ensuring every guest receives our unique brand of hospitality and stewardship while enjoying the park.”

INDIANA

From a news release:

Thor Industries Inc. Wednesday (March 27) announced that it has completed the planned move of its corporate headquarters to Beardsley Avenue along the St. Joseph River in downtown Elkhart, Ind.

Thor was previously headquartered in Jackson Center, Ohio, and announced the move in January as a strategic decision to be more accessible and active in the community where a large majority of RVs are produced and more than 70% of the company’s operations are located.

The new headquarters building was previously unoccupied and was renovated to include new design features providing a “world-class atmosphere,” according to Thor.

The reuse of this building is a prime example of the recent efforts being made to revitalize the downtown Elkhart area, Thor said in the release. The new office will have the capacity to host a variety of meetings and events with dealers, suppliers, investors and the broader Elkhart community. Thor’s corporate human resources, finance and accounting, legal and information technology departments are now housed at the new facility.

“State parks are integral to economic development and provide over 3,300 jobs, many of which are in Arizona’s rural communities,” he said. “This legislation allows for parks to receive donations on a mass scale, allowing them to get the resources they need to stay open, expand and provide continued access for Arizonans and out-of-state visitors to our beautiful state parks.”

HB 2621 would create an option for people to donate to state parks when registering vehicles in Arizona by establishing the Sustainable State Parks and Roads Fund. State parks would receive 85 percent of all the money contributed to this fund. The rest of the money would go to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Escamilla added that state parks are job creators.

“Tourism is a crucial part of Arizona’s economy,” Escamilla said. “Past budget sweeps of state park funding have created challenges, but with HB 2621 state parks will be able to reach out to Arizonans for donations.”

The bill must now go to the Senate Rules Committee for a hearing.

MINNESOTA

From National Parks Traveler:

Just eight wolves can be found at Isle Royale National Park, the lowest count ever tallied, and no new pups were brought into the population last year, another first that seemingly moves the population closer to extinction.

But against that dire news, National Park Service officials continue to work towards a solution that could reverse the wolves’ plight, and a rebounding moose population could contribute by offering the eight a bountiful prey base.